Cable reels seem like a possibility. I specify separate for data -
http://www.stageninja.com/ - and
power. Depends how many circuits. Conductix-Wampfler, Hubble, and others. Where possible. Ilike usingthenin retriever position - mounting reel on
batten so its notiftingthe cable but justsucking it in. That can impactbalance as the
batten load increases as the weight is transferred from hanging to the reel.
Pantographs are an option, but I don't like the side-to-side motion they can induce - and again weight transfer.
I have used multiple cradles and double and triple purchased then off an
arbor, so 2 or 3 swags - all over
batten - that all retract in less vertical space. No significant weight transfer.
Some have made little "saddles" that sit atop of
batten - like a V or half round of
flat bar on a
c-clamp - and the cables are caught and lie in it. No personal experience.
Another make-do I have no experience with - rope and sand bags - so the cable is lifted at several points by a free hung
counterweight (sand bag) and it simply stops when it its a stop - sand bag on a
deck or
gallery OR cradle (
line to cable attachment) against the
block.
Did see a
feeder cable run over blocks - like a double purchased
lift line - and blocks were similar to a bicycle rim. Big many
circuit feeders. Seemed like it would not wear well.
I'm sure there are more.